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Arc de  Triomphe

Napoleon, the French Emperor, who conquered most of Europe in early 19th century, admired and imitated the Roman Emperors.

In 1806, following their example, he decided to build the Arc de Triomphe, standing at the top of the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris.

His victorious troops would march on through the Arc de Triomphe cheered by Parisians.

It never occured thanks to General Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.

The Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees
Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Arc de Triomphe in Paris
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The Arc de Triomphe was finished in 1836, 15 years after Napoleon's death at Saint Helen's island in 1821.

See more details on Arc de Triomphe history.

The Arc de Triomphe superbly tops the hill from which the Champs Elysees, the Avenue Foch, the Avenue de la Grande Armee and nine other large avenues radiate.

The Marseillaise by Rude at Arc de Triomphe in Paris
The Marseillaise by Rude at Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is 49 m high, 45 m wide and 22 m deep. In comparison, the arch of Constantine in Roma, built in 312,  is 21 m high, 25.7 m wide and 7.4 m deep.

Elevators bring the 600 000 yearly visitors to the top roof where they enjoy a spectacular view on Paris.

Arc de Triomphe
 Charles de Gaulle station, line 1, 2, 6, RER A
tel 33 (0)1 55 37 73 77. Visits and admission fees

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© 01/06/97 - 14/11/09 - Paris Digest ® , the Paris guide for tourism and travel

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